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. 2022 Aug;13(4):427-433.
doi: 10.1007/s12687-022-00595-y. Epub 2022 Jun 18.

OBGYN providers' lack of knowledge and management of genetic risks due to advanced paternal age underscore the need for updated practice guidance

Joseph F Biddle  1   2 , Leah Wetherill  3 , Gabrielle C Geddes  1 , Kayla Quirin  1   4 , Caroline E Rouse  5 , Karrie A Hines  5
Affiliations

OBGYN providers' lack of knowledge and management of genetic risks due to advanced paternal age underscore the need for updated practice guidance

Joseph F Biddle et al. J Community Genet. 2022 Aug.

Abstract

The objective of this pilot study was to characterize healthcare professionals' knowledge of advanced paternal age (APA), the associated risks, as well as current clinical practices regarding APA. Our study utilized an online survey that questioned providers who see children with genetic conditions and patients who are or may become pregnant regarding demographic information, APA knowledge, APA guideline familiarity, and their clinical practices. A total of 67 providers responded to the survey. We had responses from 54 physician participants in the specialties of medical genetics (GEN), maternal fetal medicine (MFM), and obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN). OBGYN, but not MFM, reported significantly lower agreement that current data supports an association between APA and certain genetic diseases compared to GEN. Furthermore, OBGYN were less likely to identify established risks associated with APA and more likely to incorrectly identify unestablished risks compared to GEN and MFM. Regardless of specialty, the majority of physicians were unfamiliar with the most recently published APA guidelines. This study revealed a desire for more information regarding APA risks and management among our participants. Our data suggest that GEN, MFM, and OBGYN would benefit from updated and more visible guidelines regarding APA. Additionally, OBGYN consistently showed knowledge gaps and misconceptions regarding the risks of APA. Targeted educational or guidance materials regarding APA may also be beneficial for OBGYNs.

Keywords: Advanced paternal age; Genetic disease; Maternal-fetal medicine; Obstetrics and gynecology; Professional guidelines.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Box plot representation of agreement with the statement that advanced paternal age is associated with certain genetic conditions. The mean agreement is represented by a gray circle. Mean agreement is significantly higher between GEN and OBGYN (p < .05). GEN refers to medical geneticists, MFM refers to maternal-fetal medicine, and OBGYN refers to obstetricians and gynecologists
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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